Mate Rimac has introduced a robotaxi named Verne, after the famous writer, which is expected to begin operating in Zagreb in 2026.
Speaking at a presentation organized by Project 3 Mobility (P3) at the Kerestinec campus, Rimac stated that this is a fully autonomous electric vehicle built on a new platform specifically designed for autonomous driving. Verne, as highlighted, is conceived and engineered as a safe and comfortable autonomous vehicle. The software platform being developed by the company will consist of a user application for ride ordering and a service management platform.
Via the app, Mate Rimac explained, users will be able to personalize all vehicle settings even before the ride, such as lighting, temperature, and even the scent within the vehicle. Additionally, each city where Verne will be available will feature a specialized infrastructure called “Mothership,” where vehicles will be inspected, maintained, cleaned, and recharged daily.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted that it has been nearly a year since the signing of an agreement for a grant of €180 million for this project.
“We will be among the pioneers in creating a regulatory framework, with the entire government and the Ministries of Transport and Interior Affairs working to bring this project to life,” said Plenković, adding that the government had faith in this project from the start and has supported it throughout.
According to Plenković, Rimac has encountered numerous obstacles on his entrepreneurial journey, which he described as a common fate for many innovators. To the Prime Minister, Verne represents the pinnacle of modern technology and a vehicle of the future.
The first production facility for Verne autonomous electric vehicles is being built in Zagreb. The vehicle is the size of a Golf, but it offers a significant amount of interior space. Its battery will allow for 14 hours of driving before requiring recharging.
“The ultimate goal is to provide the best possible mobility experience for everyone. Each user will enjoy a better experience and service than the best services currently available to the wealthiest, and all at a very affordable price,” said Rimac. He emphasized that the robotaxi will have ample space but only two seats, as research has shown that most rides involve one or two passengers. Rimac also noted that there is currently nothing comparable to Verne on the market.
Verne will feature the advanced “Mobileye Drive” autonomous driving platform, including a sophisticated array of sensors, cameras, radars, and other technology to enable autonomous driving.
Adriano Mudri, the Chief Design Officer at Verne, pointed out that the two-seater design will meet most ride needs, adding that Verne will offer more space than luxury sedans. The vehicle’s interior will resemble a living room, without a typical instrument panel but with a 43-inch screen for entertainment and travel information during rides. The vehicle will also be equipped with 17 speakers and will be available through an app-based service.
Verne’s CEO, Marko Pejković, announced that the company is building a large production facility in the southern part of Zagreb to manufacture autonomous vehicles.
The service is scheduled to start in Zagreb in 2026, after which Verne will be available in other European cities. The company has already signed agreements with 11 cities across the EU, the UK, and the Middle East and is in talks with another 30 cities. Test vehicles are already being deployed in the city, with several hundred expected to operate in Zagreb once the service begins.
“The first Mothership facility is being built next to our headquarters in Buzin. Additionally, we are constructing a larger 28,000 square meter factory in Lučko to produce Verne vehicles for global distribution. Our aim is not to replace public transport but to work symbiotically,” announced Pejković.
The presentation was also attended by CFCA Director Dragan Jelić and his colleagues.
